Govatsa Dwadsahi: The Festival Of Holy Cows

Govatsa Dwadashi, the day of worshipping cow and her calf falls on Dwadashi Krishna Paksha of Karthika Masam. As the day is in reference with the cow Nandhini and her calves; therefore, is also known as Nandhini Vrata.

As the day is dedicated to the worship of cows, intake of cow milk, curd and ghee are prohibited on this day.

In North India, it is known as “Vagh” which refers to repaying of financial debts. On this day, people clear their account books and do not enter any new transaction in it. In Andhra, it is observed as Guru Dwadashi.

How To Observe Govatsa Dwadashi Vrat:

Individuals observing the fast, get up early in the morning, take bath, wear clean clothes and take resolution for the fast.

After that, cow and her calf are given bath and adorned with turmeric, sandalwood, flowers, rice, kumkum, water and incenses.

The cow is fed with food items made from Urad Dal.

Govatsa story is listened and fast for the whole day is observed.

Puja is performed in the evening and food is taken after that. Only one meal is taken on this day.

Cultural Beliefs

According to legends, this fast was started by a King who was childless. After his wife observed this fast, they were blessed with a son. Childless couples should observe this fast to be blessed with the pleasure of having a child.

People observing this fast should adopt Brahmachari and must sleep on the floor. They should worship Lord Vishnu and Shiva.

Spiritual importance of Govatsa Dwadashi:

On this day, the manifest frequencies of Lord Vishnu are absorbed in the cow. As a result, there is emission of the Chaitanya-filled frequencies into the Universe in the form of a cover. Thus, the person worshipping a cow on this day attains the benefits of these frequencies.

Principles Of All Deities Reside In The Cow

Lord Sri Krishna is fond of cows. Also, Dattatreya is accompanied by a cow. It is believed that all Deities reside in the cow. The products obtained from the cow like, ghee, milk, cow-dung, ghee or cow urine, all have the Principle of Deities in them.